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More than 90 percent of residents from communities along the Gaza border have returned home, according to figures released Wednesday by the Tekuma Directorate. The number represents around 62,000 people who have gone back despite the challenges of reconstruction.
The directorate emphasized that five of the hardest-hit communities remain uninhabited, though their residents are expected to return within the next two years. These include Be’eri, Kfar Aza, Kissufim, Holit, and Nir Oz. Tekuma said it is providing “ongoing support, guidance, and supervision” as part of the recovery.
Of the 47 communities in the Gaza border area, 42 have already been repopulated. Reconstruction efforts are extensive, with approximately NIS 800 million invested in infrastructure and services. The projects cover a wide range of needs, from housing and healthcare to education, employment, and community life.
Local authorities have been given autonomy over rebuilding plans, while Tekuma coordinates resources and ensures progress. The directorate said its goal is “to renew settlement, revitalize the region and turn it into a vital, stable, sustainable and attractive area for its residents and for the State of Israel.”
Five Communities Await Full Return
Kissufim is expected to reopen for residents by November, while Holit’s rebuilding is scheduled for completion by March 2026. Kfar Aza and Be’eri are expected to welcome residents back next summer. Nir Oz has embarked on what Tekuma described as a “unique plan,” incorporating a rural tourism initiative into its long-term development strategy.
Meanwhile, residents of these communities remain in temporary housing but are closely involved in the planning process for their eventual return.
Growing Populations and New Families
Return rates vary across communities, but most have seen strong resettlement alongside the arrival of new families. Kerem Shalom, with 88 percent of its prewar population, has welcomed six new families. Kibbutz Sufa and Kibbutz Nirim both stand at around 90 percent and have absorbed several newcomers.
Nir Yitzhak has reached 82 percent and attracted eight new families, while Ein HaShlosha has returned to 90 percent with five new households joining. Re’im reports a 95 percent return rate along with 10 new families.
Netiv HaAsara currently stands at 83 percent, boosted by 12 new families, while Nahal Oz, which only began resettling this month, has seen one-third of its residents return alongside four new families.
A Region in Renewal
The Tekuma Directorate described the effort as a long-term mission to restore not only housing but also confidence and vitality to border life. Despite the scale of destruction, the rapid pace of return signals resilience among residents determined to rebuild their homes and communities.